His After The Heartbreak (BL)-Chapter 72: The Blame Game

Chapter 72- The Blame Game

Tyler's POV

I walked over to where my bag lay crumpled on the floor like a piece of forgotten trash. My fingers curled around the strap, lifting it slowly. My breathing was still heavy, and the taste of anger lingered in my mouth.

If only they had listened... if only they had just stopped when I told them to.

They wouldn't have had a near-death experience.

Serves them right.

I adjusted the strap on my shoulder, forcing myself to breathe out slowly as I followed behind the principal. My fists were still clenched at my sides, the rage barely simmering beneath my skin.

I could feel her presence without even turning around.

My mom.

What the hell is she even doing here?

Why today of all days?

Her sudden appearance was probably the only reason those bastards were still breathing. If she hadn't shown up when she did, I don't think I would have stopped.

Hell, I know I wouldn't have stopped.

They should be on their knees thanking whatever God they believed in.

We got to the principal's office.

The woman behind the desk barely glanced at me before she motioned for me to sit down. I dropped into the chair without a word. My mom sat beside me, her eyes flicking towards me every few seconds.

I refused to look at her.

I stared straight ahead, jaw locked.

"Tyler..." the principal started, clasping her hands together on the desk. "What just happened out there?"

I didn't answer.

"Why did you beat those boys to a pulp like that?"

A bitter laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it.

Wrong question.

"I think that question should be directed to them..." I finally muttered, keeping my eyes fixed on the principal. "Why didn't they listen when I told them to leave me alone?"

The room went silent.

I saw the flicker of surprise in both of their eyes — like they didn't expect me to actually defend myself.

Good.

They must have thought I would sit here like a little puppy and apologize.

Not happening.

"Tyler, no matter what they did to you—" My mom started but I cut her off without thinking.

"That isn't a good enough reason to beat them?" I snapped, the anger bubbling back to the surface.

My heart was thudding painfully against my chest. I could feel the rage slowly rising again — scratching at the inside of my throat, begging to be let out.

"Then maybe you should ask the bastard who threw the first punch if he thought it was a good enough reason!"

"Tyler, language!" my mom scolded, her voice sharp.

I rolled my eyes.

Typical.

Always quick to correct me — never quick to defend me.

"I tried to avoid them," I continued, my voice shaking with anger. "I walked away. I asked nicely for my bag. I begged them to let me go — but they wouldn't stop."

"They dragged my bag off my back and kicked it like it was nothing. They called me a cheater. They mocked me — blamed me for something I never did."

I leaned forward, staring straight into the principal's eyes.

"And somehow... you're making it seem like it's my fault."

Neither of them said anything.

My mom shifted in her chair, avoiding my gaze.

I scoffed.

Of course.

I knew this script already.

I've lived through it too many times.

"You know what, Mrs. Agnes? Forget it." I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. "Just fast forward to the part where you give me detention — because that's exactly what you're going to do, right?"

"Tyler—"

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"That's what you're good at, isn't it?" I cut her off coldly. "Punishing me... even when I'm the one trying to defend myself."

I heard my mom suck in a sharp breath beside me.

"Tyler, that's not what I—"

"Save it," I muttered, staring down at my hands. "I already know how this ends."

The room went silent again.

For a moment, I thought I might have actually broken her — because she just sat there, opening and closing her mouth like she didn't know what to say.

It felt... good.

Finally.

Finally, she had nothing to say.

"I'm sorry, Tyler..." she said quietly.

I almost laughed.

She's always sorry.

Always.

"You're always sorry," I said bitterly. "But somehow I always end up paying the price."

I could feel my mom's hand cover mine, her warm fingers squeezing lightly. I should have pulled away... but I didn't.

Her touch had always been the only thing capable of calming me down.

Even when I felt like she didn't understand me.

"That's not what I meant..." she whispered, her voice breaking.

"Whatever," I muttered, brushing her hand off.

The principal sighed loudly, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"I watched the CCTV footage, Tyler," she finally admitted. "I saw what happened... from start to finish."

I froze.

Wait... what?

"So you know I'm not lying?" I asked slowly, narrowing my eyes at her.

She nodded.

"I know you were provoked... and I know they started it."

For the first time since I walked into this office, my chest loosened just a little.

But I still didn't trust her.

"I would be biased if I punished you for self-defense, Tyler," she continued. "But what I called you here for... is to warn you."

I clenched my jaw.

Here we go.

"When I — or any teacher — tells you to stop... you stop. No matter how angry you are."

I bit down hard on the inside of my cheek, swallowing the sharp response sitting on my tongue.

"If your mom hadn't shown up when she did, those boys might not have made it out alive."

Would that really be such a bad thing?

I didn't say it out loud... but I thought it.

"I understand some students can be frustrating..." she continued, her voice softening. "But as long as you're in this school... you need to know when to walk away."

I didn't answer.

I just sat there.

Silent.

Dumb.

I could feel my mom watching me — waiting for me to say something... but I didn't give her the satisfaction.

I didn't need any lectures.

I didn't need any lessons.

I just wanted to get out of this stupid office.

Thankfully, my mom jumped in — apologizing on my behalf like I wasn't sitting right there.

"It won't happen again," she promised.

Liar.

The principal nodded and stood up, signaling that the meeting was over.

"Thank you, Ms. Beatrice... and thank you for coming just in time."

My mom smiled — that fake, polite smile she always gave to authority figures.

I stayed frozen in my seat, barely listening.

"Tyler, you can go now."

I didn't even wait for her to finish before I shot to my feet, grabbed my bag, and stormed out of the office without a single word.

I could hear my mom calling after me — but I didn't look back.

Let her say whatever she wanted.

We would talk once she gets home

By the time I reached the hallway, few students were still gathered in clusters, whispering and glancing in my direction.

Let them talk.

Let them record.

Let them gossip.

I didn't care.

They should have learned by now that I'm not the one to mess with.

I reached my classroom and grabbed the door handle, ready to finally get this stupid day over with.

But then a soft, teasing voice stopped me in my tracks.

"You were so feisty... hot... and sexy when you beat the shit out of those bastards."